Ram Wong Ban Mon (Wat Pradittharam): Integrating Cultural Capital into Contemporary Thai-Mon Composition

Abstract

This creative work article is the creation of the Ram Wong Ban Mon (Wat Pradittharam) song. Its aim is to promote cultural tourism based on cultural capital. This creative work employs a creative music process. The creative process begins with the collection of preliminary data and related literature to establish a conceptual framework. Data on the Mon community at Wat Pradittharam were gathered through document research and interviews with community members and key informants. In addition, theoretical concepts in song composition—including melody writing for voice, Thai song composition, and lyric writing—were studied to guide the creative process. The inspiration for this creative work originates from the community’s use of cultural capital to express the unique identity of Mon culture in the area surrounding Wat Pradittharam. The Mon community has preserved its cultural heritage through long-standing beliefs, traditions, and ritual practices that are continuously observed and passed down across generations. These cultural expressions demonstrate a strong connection between people, place, and spiritual belief systems, forming a core element of the community’s identity. Recognizing the richness and cultural significance of these traditions, the composer sought to reinterpret and communicate them through music. This approach not only enhances awareness within the local community but also supports the promotion of cultural tourism in a way that is both sustainable and culturally respectful.

The composition, titled the Ram Wong Ban Mon (Wat Pradittharam), was developed as a traditional Ram Wong song while incorporating modern musical elements to increase its appeal to contemporary audiences. The lyrical content was carefully designed to reflect important aspects of Mon cultural capital. These include references to traditional cuisine such as Khao Chae, local recreational activities like Mon-style Saba games, and deeply rooted religious beliefs and ritual practices that shape everyday life within the community. Rather than merely describing these elements, the lyrics integrate them into a cohesive narrative, allowing listeners to experience and understand the cultural identity of the Mon people in a meaningful and engaging way. Following the composition and refinement process, the song was disseminated through multiple channels, including online media platforms and live community events. It was also incorporated into cultural tourism promotion activities, serving as a medium for storytelling and cultural communication. The use of music in this context allows for a more immersive and emotionally engaging experience for audiences, helping to bridge the gap between cultural knowledge and public perception.

The music is created using the pentatonic scale for the main melody and Thai instruments, namely Khluy (Thai Bamboo Flute), Ranat-Ek (Thai Xylophone), and Cha-Khe (Thai Zither), as the primary instruments for the melodic accompaniment. Various techniques and nuances are employed to create a clear Thai and Mon sound, which can be played well with Western instruments. Furthermore, the composition is structured in an A-B-A-B-A-B-C pattern, similar to the rondo form in classical music. Section A acts as the recurring theme (the refrain), which defines the Rondo-like quality. The composition utilizes a 2/4 time signature at a tempo of 65 BPM, providing a moderate, danceable rhythm characteristic of Ram Wong music. This rhythmic structure supports group dancing and social interaction, which are essential elements of traditional Ram Wong performance. The melodic framework is built upon a pentatonic minor scale, ensuring a comfortable vocal range for both male and female performers.

The findings of this creative work demonstrate its multifaceted benefits across several dimensions. From a cultural perspective, the project contributes to the preservation, revitalization, and dissemination of Mon heritage. It presents traditions, beliefs, language, and ways of life in a format that is accessible, engaging, and suitable for audiences of all ages. Socially, the project fosters a sense of pride in local identity, encourages active participation in cultural preservation, and strengthens unity within the community. In terms of cultural tourism, the song serves as an effective promotional tool, helping to attract visitors, increase awareness of local cultural knowledge, and enhance the image of the Mon community at Wat Pradittharam as a distinctive and meaningful destination. From an educational standpoint, the composition can be utilized as a learning resource in both formal and informal educational settings. It supports the study of music, culture, and local wisdom, offering an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Economically, the project contributes to income generation by supporting tourism-related activities, including cultural performances and the sale of locally produced goods. Finally, this creative work provides a valuable model for integrating music with cultural heritage. It demonstrates how creative arts can play a crucial role in sustaining and promoting community identity while also offering a foundation for future developments in music and cultural expression.